Radio Nacional (known as RNE 1 from 1988 until 1999, and Radio 1 from 1999 until 2008) is RTVE's principal radio station. It carries generalist programming principally focused on news, current affairs, sport, and entertaining discussion of contemporary events and social issues. The station is the direct descendant of Radio Nacional de España, which began broadcasting in 1937 as Franco's official radio under the department of propaganda during the Spanish Civil War.